About

As a child I had no idea my dad was afflicted with kidney disease. Thanks to the generosity of organ donation, he’d received a transplant that meant the first 10yrs of my life were free from the stresses & strains of a parent bound to a dialysis machine 3 times a week for hours.

Being treated at the QE hospital in Birmingham, he had received support via the local Kidney Patients Association. In speaking with my mum recently, I now understand he was one of the founding members.

Local charities such as these might not get mainstream attention, but for “patients on the ground”, can be invaluable in terms of day-to-day support & guidance. When you are constrained by the dialysis machine, having an organisation that can provide you with helpful information, and arranging dialysis partnerships at other sites for holidays, can offer a brief sense of freedom. Family of patients are supported too.

Even though I’ve not directly had any contact with the QEHKPA for over 18 years, anything I could possibly raise to give back to this organisation would be amazing. With a modest income stream as a small charity, I also know anything I can raise would really make a difference

Event details

Ironman Copenhagen

I’ve done half marathons, marathons, triathlons, half ironman triathlons, and generally taken them in my stride. In reality, I would have felt guilty about asking for donations for a “challenge” that I knew was well within my capabilities. This is different.

3.8km swim. 180km bike. 42.2km run.

This distance race kind of scares me.

And for that reason, I think there is a selfish element to this as well. In those moments of pain and distress, knowing that there is a greater good at play, and that I am putting myself through this for something other than my own personal satisfaction, will help push me on.